Holiday time: Who looks after the cat?
Many pet owners will be wondering whether to take their pet on holiday with them, while others consider what they should do if they leave them at home.
Medic Animal, the UK’s leading pet healthcare retailer, has put together a handy list of what cat owners need to think about before making a decision.
Recent research showed that three- fifths ( 60 per cent) of owners admitted feeling sad when leaving their pet at home when they go on holiday, with many concerned it can lead to issues such as anxiety and separation- related behavioural problems.
While the nature of dog ownership means that it is likely owners would need to take their dog to a kennel, it is possible, with the correct plans in a place, for cats to be left at home alone. Friends and neighbours Certainly the best option is to have a pet sitter or a trusted neighbour or friend visit daily to feed, water and socialise with your cat. Nothing beats the family home from your cat’s viewpoint. The frequency ( minimum twice daily) should match the usual feeding times and they should monitor your cat’s litter for anything irregular. If the carer only pops in and out they may not have enough time to really observe how your cat is doing, physically and emotionally.
Don’t underestimate your cat’s needs: Too many people view cats as low maintenance and do not hesitate to leave them on their own for sometimes up to four/ five days.
No one likes an empty house: Cats are sociable animals and unexpectedly having an empty house can be quite confusing and can cause anxiety. Considering a cattery? The next best choice is a boarding cattery. There are good ones, great ones, and truly terrible ones. Make sure you visit beforehand and imagine it from your cat’s viewpoint. How does it smell? Are there loud noises? Do they provide hidey holes and places to climb up and view from above? Is there enough room in the cage – ie, a decent space between the litter tray and the food?
What social elements does the cattery provide? Do they socialise and play with the cats and what type of environmental enrichment do they provide? Do they have access to an emergency vet? Is it managed at night? What do they do to help anxious or stressed cats? Do the cages face each other ( as this can be stressful)?
Andrew Bucher, Chief Veterinary Officer at Medic-Animal, said: “While cats are often seen as independent animals that can be left to fend for themselves, this is usually far from the truth. Cats are highly sociable and need lots of support like any pet. If you’re going on holiday and are likely to be leaving your cat behind, it’s really important that you take their needs into consideration, whatever provision you make.”
Cats are highly sociable and need support